Ukrainian presidential advisor Serhiy Leshchenko (pictured) dismissed any discussion of ceding territory to Russia as "counterproductive" and a violation of the Ukrainian constitution. Speaking to the BBC World Service on Friday, Leshchenko was responding to remarks made earlier that day by Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko, who suggested a temporary territorial concession might be a solution for peace.
Leshchenko said no official peace proposal is on the table, and speculation only fuels media rumors at a sensitive time. He stressed that Ukraine's constitution protects the country's territorial integrity, making any talk of compromise legally and politically harmful.
He also addressed the failure of recent ceasefire efforts. According to him, Ukraine had proposed a ceasefire in the air and sea, while the US delegation pushed for a broader agreement on land. "Ukraine said we don't trust Putin, but if you want, take our agreement," he said, adding that after 45 days, no ceasefire has materialized.
